2023 Genesis GV60
With Hyundai and Kia setting the benchmark for battery-electric vehicle development, one would think there was room for one more entry that utilizes the same platform.
Enter the 2023 Genesis GV60.
The GV60 is another vehicle based on Hyundai’s Electric Global Modular Platform (E-GMP), but one look would tell you otherwise. That is because each brand within the group made sure that most everything you see, and touch is not the same as the other vehicles from this platform.
Genesis made sure that when you get behind the wheel of a GV60, it is something truly special – like all other Genesis models.
That is immediately present when you look the exterior. The rounded shape offers up both current Genesis brand design elements, as well as new twists to the same theme. The Genesis grille moves below the bumper line, giving the twin horizonal headlamp units a clear place to emit light.
The roofline may look like a fastback SUV’s, but there are a couple of twists. One, the “zig-zag” chrome applique on the C-Pillar does not frame a new pane of glass, offering up a blind spot. However, behind the C-Pillar is more headroom for the rear seat passengers. An optical illusion that works.
You access the doors through pop-out handles. Or, you can program the GV60 to recognize you upon entry into the vehicle. You will need both keys to do so. When you touch the three lines on the driver’s door handle and face the B-pillar, a sensor will scan your face for entry into the GV60. Also, Genesis encourages you to download their app to use the new Digital Key 2 that includes ultra-wideband applicability.
On our Performance tester, a unique geometric design is applied to the 21-inch alloy wheels. This makes the GV60 pop more visually. Overall, the GV60 is unique and beautiful piece of automotive art.
The exterior’s theme has been replicated inside the GV60. Again, it is a mix of elements from the Genesis brand with some rounded shapes and an interesting blue color palette with contrasting lime stitching. The result is a comfortable and welcoming environment that invites everyone along for the ride.
When you start up the GV60, the “orb” that sits in the center console flips over to reveal a knob-type shifter for the transmission. You get a colorful and informative 12.3-inch digital instrument cluster next to another 12.3-inch screen housing the brand’s infotainment interface.
The front seats offer comfort and bolstering for support. The center console divides the front seats offering open space and storage options. Rear seat room is good, for both leg and head room. In the back you get 24 cubic feet before you fold down the rear seats. With those seats folded, cargo space expands to 54.7 cubic feet. Up front, there is a small secure storage area – short of a cubic foot - that actually looks like an engine cover.
A two-motor/all-wheel drive set-up is standard on all GV60 models. Our Performance tester yields 429 horsepower with 516 pound-feet of torque. With the press of the Boost button on the steering wheel, you can summon up to 10 seconds of instant performance, rated at 483 horsepower.
The battery pack has a capacity of 77.4 kWh. Genesis claims that this tester has a range of 235 miles. We were able to get up to 241 miles from a 100% charge.
The GV60 serves up a luxurious ride. It does handle the bumps well without transmitting them into the cabin, Handling is good – somewhere between soft and solid. Cornering is fine, but you do feel the extra weight of the battery pack, along with the lower center of gravity.
The steering is not as tight as you expect in a smaller vehicle. While there is an absence of feel, it manages will when you point the GV60 into a turn. On-center is soft, but also very manageable. The brakes are an interesting story. If you apply them, they do respond with good normal and panic stops. Pedal feel is good. There is a one-pedal function, that is tied to a multi-step regenerative system, where you do not have to use the pedal to intervene. You are also able to maintain charge levels while slowing down by using the paddle shifters on the steering wheel.
Pricing for the 2023 Genesis GV60 starts at $58,890 for Advanced version. Our Performance tester came with a sticker price of $68,985.
The GV60 is not alone is the small luxury electric SUV space. Currently, the Tesla Model Y, the Volvo XC40 and C40 Recharge exist as competitors. However, they will be soon joined by the Mercedes-Benz EQB and BMW iX1 in the luxury small electric SUV class. Keep in mind that the GV60 is currently available in select states from coast to coast.
While unique in design, the Genesis GV60 and its E-GMP underpinnings certainly show how a lot of thought has gone into this really good electric SUV. It may just be the one vehicle of its kind to get – if you live in the places where you can get one.
Story Credits: CarSoup Editors
